Former UFC champion suspended indefinitely after losing world title
Pena has been handed an indefinite suspension by the New Jersey State Athletic Board following her defeat to Kayla Harrison at UFC 316 last weekend
Ex-UFC women's bantamweight champ Julianna Pena has been hit with an INDEFINITE suspension by the New Jersey State Athletic Board after her defeat at UFC 316.
Pena became a world champion for a second time last year after beating Raquel Pennington at UFC 307. In the first defence of her title, though, she fell short after being dominated by two-time Olympic gold medalist, Kayla Harrison. The American would go on to submit Pena in the second round last weekend.
Immediately after the loss, the 'Venezuelan Vixen' called for the winner of Harrison's potential clash with Amanda Nunes - despite her 3-3 record in her last six fights. That said, before Pena returns to the octagon, she will need clearance on several injuries as she has been handed an indefinite suspension following Saturday night's pay-per-view event, according to the New Jersey State Athletic Board.
The commission has suspended the UFC star indefinitely until she receives clearance from an orthopedist on both her left elbow and left shoulder before she can compete again. Pena quickly apologised to her fans after she failed to get the job done. "Thank you to the fans who lifted me with your love and encouragement during this fight camp," she wrote on Instagram.
"I love you all and feel so grateful for all the support and energy you guys give me. It truly means the world! I'm sorry I wasn't able to get the job done. I'm super disappointed but hats off to Kayla on her win. Time to get healed up and get ready for her next fight because I'm calling dibs on the winner!"
After clinching the women's bantamweight title, Harrison didn't hold back in her post-fight speech, saying: "I have a lot to say, thank you for my family, two beautiful children, the fans whether you love or hate me you are the lifeblood of this sport. This is for everyone who has felt hopeless or wanted to quit, this is for all the mums, especially single mums, you're not being punished, you are being positioned.
"Me and Julianna prayed for each other afterwards. Only God could get that last pound off me, you have to go to a bad place for that weight cut." But Harrison wasn't finished there; spotting Nunes in the audience, she seized the moment to issue a challenge: "I see you Amanda! Come on up, this is the next fight," she declared. "This is the greatest of all time, I have belt, she has legacy, let's put it on the table."
Nunes didn't hesitate to join Harrison in the octagon, and when UFC commentator Joe Rogan questioned if she was ready for the bout, Nunes confidently replied: "Yes definitely. We knew this was going to happen. Now, we're going to do it. I'm more than happy to come back and fight you."
After the event, Pena wasn't the only fighter to receive an indefinite suspension. UFC veteran Kelvin Gastelum also received the same suspension following his decision loss to Joe Pyfer. Gastelum must now seek clearance from a dentist for a loose right maxillary incisor. Mario Bautista, who scored a significant victory over Patchy Mix, has been suspended for just 30 days due to facial lacerations. Vicente Luque has also been given a 45-day suspension following his loss to Kevin Holland due to a scalp hematoma.
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